Province Day Celebration

A large number of Salesians from the Province of Mary Help of Christians gathered at Salesian Retreat centre in Lysterfield for a celebration to mark a number of events. It is a celebration of Eucharist in honour of Salesians who celebrate their milestones in the life of the province, a successful completion of the Provincial Chapter 18, and the Province Day. Salesians from all four parts of the Province were there: Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.

The Provincial, Fr. Frank Moloney SDB, was the principal celebrant for the Eucharist. He was assisted by deacon Martin Tanti who is going to be ordained a priest later in the year. Music for the Mass was led by Sr. Rochelle Lamb with Fr. Petelo on keyboard, Fr. Brian Ahern on flute, and Fr. Peter Hoang and Fr. Will Matthews on guitars. It was truly joyful and inspiring celebration of Eucharist. This Eucharist was particularly special because of the presence of new students from the formation house at Clifton Hill who recently arrived from Thailand and Korea for their theological studies.

A festive dinner prepared by Auxilium community followed the Eucharist. Fr. Norman Ford was the toast master to the jubilarians. He spoke briefly on the important events of each jubilarians in their lives.

On behalf of all jubilarians, Fr. Frank Freeman SDB, the editor of the Salesian Bulletin, replied and thanked to all confreres of the province. This speech was carefully prepared and skillfully delivered that brought many to almost tear. [Click here for Fr. Freeman’s Speech]

It was an evening to remember in honour of our jubilarians and a celebration of who we are as a great province.